Burak TAŞÇI
Creation Date: September 20, 2024 07:11
There have been changes to the import of electric and externally rechargeable hybrid vehicles. The conditions that were introduced only for electric vehicles last November also apply to plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The Ministry of Trade’s important regulation regarding electric and externally rechargeable hybrid vehicles to be imported has been published in the Official Gazette. Rechargeable hybrid vehicles imported from countries outside the Customs Union and Free Trade Agreement (FTA) will be affected by the regulation.
In addition to the decision published in November last year, plug-in hybrid vehicles will need to have at least 20 authorized service stations established by the importer himself in 7 geographical regions and be certified by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE).
In addition, those who will be responsible for the maintenance and repair of electric or externally rechargeable hybrid vehicles will be required to have a certificate of competence issued by the TSE or the Vocational Qualifications Authority exclusively for the maintenance and repair of electric or externally rechargeable hybrid vehicles. The published circular will enter into force 30 days later.
WHY IS THE REGULATION MADE?
Recently, different brands, especially from China, were coming to Turkey and making their sales. Some brands were making agreements with special services for maintenance and repair, and if after-sales support service could not be received, citizens could be victimized.
FOR CONSUMER PROTECTION
Vehicles that were brought to Turkey and sold and then not supported were waiting for parts from abroad for a long time in case of an accident or malfunction. In addition, when there was no authorized person or person who knew how to repair and maintain the vehicle, cars worth millions of liras were lying in front of repair shops like scrap. With the new conditions, both consumers will be protected and vehicles, which are national treasures, will be repaired faster in cases of malfunction or accident and will be brought back into the economy.
Here are the required conditions…
20 AUTHORIZED SERVICE STATIONS WILL BE ESTABLISHED IN 7 REGIONS AND WILL BE CERTIFIED BY TSE
The Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) will need to document that at least 20 authorized service stations have been established by the importer in 7 geographical regions in accordance with TS 12047 and TSE K 646 standards for the after-sales installation, maintenance and repair of the goods to be imported.
A CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCE WILL BE REQUIRED FROM PERSONS WHO WILL CARRY OUT MAINTENANCE
Persons who will be responsible for the purchase, sale, maintenance and repair of electric vehicles will be required to have a certificate of competence issued by the TSE or the Vocational Qualifications Authority exclusively for the purchase, sale, maintenance and repair of electric vehicles.
CALL CENTER REQUIREMENT
For each brand to be imported, service will need to be provided by a Turkish call center with at least 40 personnel established in Turkey.
REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE WILL BE OPENED
It will be ensured that the manufacturer of the goods to be imported has an authorized representative resident in the country.
BATTERY SYSTEM DETAIL
The importer will need to provide a written undertaking to accept the procedures to be carried out regarding the monitoring, control and audit of battery systems.
30 DAYS GIVEN
The regulation published in the Official Gazette will come into force 30 days later, and brands that do not meet the conditions after this date will not be able to sell in Turkey.
Source: bigpara.hurriyet.com.tr
